Harris Ruled Out For Two Months

Australia fast bowler Ryan Harris faces a spell of six to eight weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury he picked up during the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval.

Harris was Australia's most successful bowler during the series, picking up 24 wickets at an average of 19.58 with a haul of seven for 117 at Chester-le-Street.

For the first time in his career, he managed to play four Tests in succession without succumbing to injury, but was unable to bowl in the latter stages of the final match at The Oval due to a right hamstring strain.

"Ryan Harris injured his right hamstring during the latter part of the second innings of the 5th Ashes Test. He had to leave the field and did not return to the game as he was unable to bowl.

"He was assessed after arriving back in Australia today and is expected to be unavailable to play for the next 6-8 weeks."

That timeframe would schedule a comeback for the end of October, which may give him enough time to push for inclusion for the first Ashes Test in Brisbane, which begins on 21st November.

This is the latest in a series of injury concerns for Australia's quick bowlers. James Pattinson and Jackson Bird left the tour early due to injury while Patrick Cummins has been ruled out of the 2013-14 season after suffering a back injury in South Africa.

Harris himself has struggled with Achilles, knee and ankle issues in the past.